color pencil, ink; 16×20″
“Gender stereotypes have been around for a long time, and they are harmful if forced upon someone. On the left side is a plate with feathers. A dull and fancy-looking fork placed on top of a neatly folded napkin is under it. This is the “girl” side, how girls are “supposed” to be soft, fragile, pretty, and prim and proper. On the left side is a plate with nails. A sharp, roughed-up fork is placed on top of a ripped up and messy napkin. This is the “boy” side, representing how boys are “supposed” to be “as tough as nails” and can get away with being messy and aggressive because “boys will be boys”. Either way, eating feathers or nails would be unpleasant. Forcing gender roles on people can cause damage.”
ARTIST BIO: Stevie LAWSON is a grade 11 strudent at Butler Tech School of Art studying art under art teacher Mary Catherine Ruby.